Tag Archive | slave

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 56 – Set Free in Christ

May17

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 56

Set Free in Christ

Lord, what does it mean to be set free in Christ? Sometimes, I still don’t feel free from the power of sin. I want to be free to become all that You created me to be. Lord, how can I claim Your freedom and remain free?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Child of Mine, when you accepted Christ as your Savior, you became free from the penalty of your sin. Jesus Christ died in your place and paid the wages of your sin (Romans 6:23). You are a new creation in Christ Jesus; the old is gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). He has released you from a life of sin. You may now live a life of righteousness through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). Christ has made you righteous in My eyes, so that we now may enjoy an intimate relationship. You have the freedom to approach My throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16).

You were crucified with Christ, so you no longer live, but Christ lives in you. Live by faith in Jesus, who loved you and gave Himself for you (Galatians 2:20). Your old self was crucified with Him, so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with and you would no longer be a slave to sin—you were set free from it (Romans 6:6). You are dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). Sin is no longer your master because you are not under the law, but under My grace (Romans 6:14).

You are free from the power of sin. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). It is up to you to claim this freedom and walk in the victory over sin that the death of Jesus Christ provided for you. You have the authority of Jesus’ name; you have the power of His Spirit within you. You can overcome the desires of the flesh, by the power and authority I have given you. I will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but I will provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).

I sent My Son to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1-2). He is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). My divine truth has exposed the lies of Satan. The light of My salvation has released you from the bondage of Satan’s lies. Do not believe the lies of the enemy, when you know the truth of God. Walk in the freedom of the truth. Do not make vows and agreements with the devil, when Christ has freed you from the prison of the evil one. Now you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:32, 36). Claim the freedom of the truth and walk in it victoriously.

You are free to become what I created you to be. Allow Jesus to live His life in and through you. Be obedient to whatever He asks you to do. He will demonstrate His love and power through you. Do not be distracted by the world, but focus your attention on Christ. Trust Him to live out His perfect will and plan for you, through you. This happens only when you are walking in close relationship with Him through reading the Bible, praying, and listening to His voice. The most important thing you can do is to put Him first, meet with Him daily, talk to Him and listen to His voice.

I will speak to you in your thoughts and from My Word. The Bible will come alive for you when you tune in to the voice of the Holy Spirit within you. He will remind you of what I say, as well as, reveal and interpret Scripture for you, so you are able to understand My wisdom, My promises, and My will for your life. When you hear and recognize My voice, you experience the life of abundance that Christ came to give you. I want the best for you. I am the best! Be free in Me.

Prayer:

Jesus, my Lord, thank You for dying for me, so that I might live. I submit myself to You and ask that You will live out Your will and plan for me, through me. Allow me to live a life of abundance by clearly hearing Your voice and obeying it. Lord, I am always blessed with so much joy whenever I am obedient to Your requests. Give me the desire to obey Your every command, and connect with You daily in two-way conversation. Lord, speak to me now as we meet to maintain a deeper, more intimate relationship. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Heavenly Father, will you expose one area of my life that I remain in the bondage of sin? Please tell me exactly what I need to be free from in this area. (Record every word you hear in your thoughts. Spend some time now confessing your sin and submitting yourself to God.)

 

  • Jesus, my Savior, please expose one of the enemy’s lies that I have believed or bought in to, and then, set me free with Your truth. (Write down whatever you hear Him say, and claim the freedom He gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, please show me Your plan for me to live in freedom from the sin and bondage I just confessed. Please remind me of the truth in God’s Word and remind me to use it when the enemy attacks me in this area. (Write all the thoughts He gives you on this and record any words or verses from Scripture that come to mind.)

Review God’s thoughts and impressions you’ve sensed and written above. What Scripture comes to mind as you review your notes? Use the concordance of your Bible to look up an impression from God’s Word. Record the verse or passage here. Write all insights and encouragement the Holy Spirit illumines for you as you read God’s Word right now.

Prayer:

Sovereign Lord, Your plans and timing are perfect. I submit my will to Yours, and ask that You would live Your life in and through me. Help me become the creation You had in mind when You formed me in the womb. Before you knew me, You set me apart (Jeremiah 1:5). I am grateful that You purchased my freedom from sin and continue to release me from the bondage of sin and the prison of lies I have believed over the years. Lord, I give You access to all areas of my heart and ask that You transform my life so that I might become the creation You called me to be. Thank You for the abundant blessing I receive by hearing Your voice and living in relationship with You. I am so grateful for everything You do for me. I am blessed to be dead to sin and alive to God in Christ (Romans 6:11). In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 146:7, He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free.

Isaiah 61:1-3, 1The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, 2to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”

Luke 4:18-19, 18”The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

John 8:31-36, 31To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Romans 6:6-14, 6For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. 8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. 9For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. 10The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. 11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness. 14For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:17-18, 17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Romans 6:22-23, 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness , and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:1-2, 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 5:1, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 2:10, For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Philippians 3:7-9, 7But whatever were gains to me I know consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Colossians 1:19-22, 19For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. 21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Revelation 1:5-6, 5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 55 – Spiritual Battle

May16

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 55

Spiritual Battle

Lord, there is a daily battle of good vs. evil going on in my mind. I know it, I feel it—it’s real. I fight against the desires of the flesh on a daily basis. Father God, please make me even more sensitive and aware of this, and give me the tools of engagement. Make me strong in You. Arm me with Your protective battle suit and defend me against my enemy.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Child of Mine, you are in a daily spiritual battle—the enemy’s goal is to destroy you. Recognizing this is the first step to victory. Whether you realize it or not, there is a conflict raging in you between flesh and Spirit. Your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). This battle is as real as you are. It is not a virtual war game. Prepare your method of defense for this war.

Before you put one foot on the floor each morning, dress yourself in My full armor so that you may be able to stand your ground (Ephesians 6:13). Buckle the belt of truth around your waist. The truth is you are My child and the devil has no power over you. Believe this truth and claim it. Your identity in Christ gives you the authority over your enemy, as well as, the victory over sin, death, and the grave, that the atonement of the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross provided for you. Use your authority in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of His blood to bind up Satan and restrict his destroying influence in your daily life. You are supernaturally empowered by the Spirit of Christ living in you. Be sure to tap in to that amazing power at all times.

Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place to avert the flaming arrows of the enemy. He shoots straight for the weakest areas in your heart, but Christ has made you righteous and blameless. Clothing yourself with the breastplate of righteousness, a life of honesty and obedience to God, will keep you pure and ready to stand firm in battle, deflecting all attacks against your standing in Christ. You are Mine, and you have been made righteous in Christ.

Ready yourself to proclaim the gospel of peace by fitting your feet with My battle sandals (Ephesians 6:15). Anchor yourself in the soil of My salvation and remain steadfast in your faith. Be prepared to share with the lost the message of My love and saving grace. Be a witness for Christ even in the midst of battle. And take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). This is the all-encompassing protection of Christ against everything your enemy hurls at you. Your victory is sure in Jesus’ name.

Wear the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17), putting on the mind of Christ with all wisdom and discernment. Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Do not fight the enemy with your own words and thoughts, but use the Word of God as your weapon of choice. Just as Jesus battled Satan in the wilderness with the Word of God (Matthew 4:4), you too must fight the enemy’s lies and deceit with the truth of My Word. As the devil distorts Scripture, you will set him straight with the truth. The power of your testimony is no match for Satan. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). You are no longer a slave, but My child (Galatians 4:7). You have been freed from the bondage of the enemy’s lies. Do not return again to a yoke of slavery.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. You may experience My peace, even in your troubles (John 16:33). Though you live in the world, you do not wage war as the world does. The weapons you fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. You demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and you take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Finally, be strong in Me and in My mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying (Ephesians 6:18). Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) as prayer is another strong weapon of warfare. Pray your way through every challenge and struggle. The flesh may be weak, but you are strong in Christ Jesus. Stand firm, and when you have done everything, remain standing (Ephesians 6:13).

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a warrior God; you are my strength and defense (Exodus 15:2-3). Train me and prepare me for this daily battle. Lord, speak to me now with Your words of wisdom, and transform my heart with the truth of Your love and promises. Give me Your peace that passes all understanding to guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Abba Father, protect me with Your infinite wisdom. Train me in Your warrior ways. Teach me what I need to know for this spiritual battle. (Record everything He says to you.)

 

  • Jesus, my Deliverer, rescue me from this fight. Do not let me be bound by a yoke of slavery. Please make me aware of what that looks like. (Write all the ideas He gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, please give me a sense of my most vulnerable weakness, along with the Scripture to fight against the enemy’s attack in that area. Prepare me with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, so that I am ready to defend myself. (Journal the Scripture that comes to mind. If only a word, find the verse in your concordance and write it out here, then meditate on it and memorize it to repeat to the enemy in the battle.)

 

Review God’s thoughts and impressions you’ve sensed and written above. What Scripture comes to mind as you review your notes? Use the concordance of your Bible to look up an impression from God’s Word. Record the verse or passage here. Write all insights and encouragement the Holy Spirit illumines for you as you read God’s Word right now.

Prayer:

Lord, You do not leave me alone to fight my own battles. When I pass through the waters, You are with me, the rivers will not sweep over me. When I walk through the fire, I will not be burned; the flames will not set me ablaze (Isaiah 43:1-2). You stand with me in the fiery furnace of affliction. You hide me in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 17:8). You give me the victory in every struggle when I depend on You for my strength and wisdom. Strengthen my vulnerable areas and fortify my weak spots. You are my refuge and my fortress; I put my trust in You. I will make You my dwelling and You will give Your angels charge over me to guard me in all my ways. I will call on You and You will be with me in trouble; You will deliver me (Psalm 91). In the name of Jesus Christ and by His blood shed on the cross, I claim victory over my enemy and bind up the work of Satan, the destroyer. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 15:2-3, “The Lord is my strength and defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.

Psalm 17:8, Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 91, 1Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14”Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15He will call on Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. 16With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Isaiah 43:1-2, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Jeremiah 20:11, But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.

Matthew 4:4, Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Galatians 4:7, So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.

Ephesians 6:10-18, 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, an after you have done everything to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Philippians 4:4-7, 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 16Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 45 – Fully Forgiven

May6

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 45

 Fully Forgiven

Father God in heaven, I have the head knowledge that I am forgiven. I have confessed my sin, invited Jesus into my heart to be my Savior and Lord, and I know that He died for my sins, so that I could experience Your grace and forgiveness through a saving relationship in Christ. But so many times I have held on to past sins. I continue to ask forgiveness for the same sins, when You have already forgiven me and forgotten them, long ago. Lord, how do I completely rid myself of the shame, the guilt, and release the claim to my sins? How do I know that I am fully forgiven? How can I be freed from this burden?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

O child of Mine, you are being harder on yourself than I have been on you. Let Me release you from your burden of guilt and set you free with the truth (John 8:32). When the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).

Your sin separated you from Me. There was nothing you, yourself can do make that right. It is solely by My amazing grace, and the death of My Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross that you may experience the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. Accepting Jesus as your Savior, and believing that He died for your sin, is the only way to be reconciled to Me.

When you invited Jesus into your heart to be your Savior, you were crucified with Christ. You no longer live, but Christ lives in you (Galatians 2:20). When your old self was crucified with Him, your former body, ruled by sin was done away with, so that you are no longer a slave to sin—you were set free (Romans 6:6-7). Let Me say it again, “When the Son sets you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36). Believe it and walk in the freedom I provide.

When I adopted you as My child, I sent the Spirit of My Son, Jesus, into your heart. The Spirit calls out, “Abba Father.” You are no longer a slave, but My child; and since you are My child, I have made you My heir (Galatians 4:6-7). Not only are you fully forgiven, you are fully Mine. You belong to Me, and I love you. I am your loving Abba Father, and you are My sweet child.

You have My assurance that you are fully forgiven. It is up to you to fully believe it and fully accept My forgiveness—all of it. I remember your sins no more, and you would do well to accomplish this also. When you hold onto your sin, you are demonstrating a false belief that Jesus’ work on the cross was all in vain—that His death was not enough. But I tell you, it was. Do not discount the work of Christ on the cross. I gave Him up for you. Please accept that gift fully, and fully believe it.

Do not allow the enemy to keep you in the prison cell of sin and guilt when you have been rescued and redeemed. In Christ, you have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of My grace (Ephesians 1:7). Your sins were completely atoned for and I have washed you whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). I love you; I died for you; you are My child; and you are forgiven. Receive it and believe it.

Prayer:

Abba Father, thank You for Your gift of grace and forgiveness. I confess that I did not fully accept Your gift. Please forgive me. I believe it and receive it anew. I bind up Satan in the name of Jesus, by His shed blood. I claim victory over sin; I am free. I am a new creation in Christ, the old is gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am no longer a slave to sin; I am a child of God. Lord, please speak to me more personally right now, and share what’s on Your heart. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, tell me what it means to be Your child. (Write down everything you hear: words, phrases, verses, etc.)

 

  • Jesus, lover of my soul, please help me understand more fully, how I was crucified with You on the cross, and how You set me free. (Record the ideas and thoughts He gives you now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, empower me to discard the old false belief, and fully embrace the truth. What do I need to do to accomplish this? (Journal everything you hear in your head.)

 

Review God’s thoughts and impressions you’ve sensed and written above. What Scripture comes to mind as you review your notes? Use the concordance of your Bible to look up an impression from God’s Word. Record the verse or passage here. Write all insights and encouragement the Holy Spirit illumines for you as you read God’s Word right now.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for helping me to better understand what forgiveness means. Thank You for remembering my sins no more; please help me to do the same. Help me fight against the devil when he accuses me of sins that have already been forgiven by You. Help me claim my identity as Your child, and fully accept the forgiveness and the freedom that brings. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 34:5-7, 5Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed His name, the Lord. 6And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”

Psalm 25:11, For the sake of Your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

Psalm 51:7, Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Psalm 86:5, You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You.

Psalm 130:3-4, 3If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You.

Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, and He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

Jeremiah 31:34, “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Jeremiah 33:8, “I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against Me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against Me.”

Daniel 9:9, The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.

Matthew 6:14-15, 14“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 18:21-22, 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 26:27-28, 27Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Mark 11:25, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Luke 6:37, 37“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 11:2-4, 2He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:34-36, 34Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 20:23, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Acts 2:38, Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 10:43, “All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

Acts 13:38-39, 38“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39Though Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”

Romans 6:6-7, 6For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11, 10Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 4:6-7, 6Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.

Ephesians 1:7-10, 7In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Ephesians 4:30-32, 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 1:13-14, 13For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 3:13, Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Hebrews 8:12, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Hebrews 9:22, In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word is not in us.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 37 – Be Armed for Spiritual Battle

Apr28

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 37 

Be Armed for Spiritual Battle

Lord, sometimes I can really relate to what Paul said in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Why do I continue to behave and respond in the flesh, when You have given me new life in the Spirit? What is this battle raging within me that keeps me from living the sanctified life You intended for me? Lord, I confess my sin and ask that You would help me fight this battle and win.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

It is good for you to realize that you are involved in a form of daily spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Use the Holy Spirit’s power to annihilate the force of sin in your life. Sin has no control over you, unless you allow it to. You are no longer a slave to sin; but Jesus Christ has rescued you and delivered you from all evil (Romans 7:24-25). You are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). You have the same power living in you that raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-21). The Holy Spirit is your ally and defender. You may exercise His supernatural strength in all your encounters. I am your Warrior God; I help you fight your battles and win them!

Also understand that you live in a continual spiritual warfare of good vs. evil. Every morning, dress yourself for spiritual battle by putting on the full Armor of God, so that you will be able to stand your ground. Gird your waist with the belt of truth, claiming who you are in Christ; you are supernaturally empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. With the helmet of salvation, you put on the mind of Christ, giving you wisdom and discernment with regard to your enemy and his attacks. Secure the breastplate of righteousness in place to protect your heart and defend your birthright as a child of God. Hold up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Stand firm with your feet fitted with the sandals of the gospel of peace. Take up and carry the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God so you can fight against the enemy’s lies with the truth of Scripture and God’s promises. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Always be alert and keep on praying for all God’s people (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Draw on the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit whenever you find yourself in a diabolical battle. Your enemy’s attacks may be subtle. Sometimes you do not even know you are in a fight until you have lost. Remain alert to the devil’s ways, knowing that he will first go after your weakest areas. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). When you are in a struggle against another human, consider the provocative nature of the evil one. Often times, he is your true opponent. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Do not fall prey to his devious schemes. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Live as wise, not as unwise (Ephesians 5:15). Remember that Christ has already defeated Satan, sin, death and the grave. Do not give the devil more power than he is due. Christ has made him powerless. Claim your victory over evil and the evil one, by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. You are victorious in Jesus Christ. Stand firm and win over evil. You are armed with power from on high to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10;19).  

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood on the cross and claiming Your victory over sin, death, and the grave. Thank You for providing me that same victory, as well as, power and authority over all evil and the evil one. I am so grateful that I do not stand alone to battle the forces of evil, but You stand at my side. You are my Warrior God, hiding me in the shadow of Your wings and protecting me from my enemies. Lord, thank You for providing me the Armor of God, so that I may stand firm in battle and remain standing. Thank You for the victory and for the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. Please help me be alert to the ways of the enemy and engage in battle with the weapons and authority You provide. Please speak to me now and share Your wisdom with me to better prepare me for anything the enemy throws my way.

Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Loving Father, please expose the broken places in my heart and show me my areas of weakness that the enemy will most certainly go after. (Record all thoughts that come to mind in this moment.)

 

  • Jesus, my Victor, please enlighten me to the truth about my vulnerabilities exposed above. Replace the lies of the enemy with Your truth. Tell me how to defend myself against the enemy attacks in these areas. (Write down all thoughts, ideas, and Scripture verses that come to mind right now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, please help me be alert to Satan and his ways. Remind me that I struggle not with flesh and blood, but against the evil one. Empower me with the Word of God to fight these attacks. Please give me verses that will combat the enemy when he strikes my weak spots. (Journal all His words and verses He leads you to for this application.)

 

Review God’s thoughts and impressions you’ve sensed and written above. What Scripture comes to mind as you review your notes? Use the concordance of your Bible to look up an impression from God’s Word. Record the verse or passage here. Write all insights and encouragement the Holy Spirit illumines for you as you read God’s Word right now.

Prayer:

Almighty Lord, thank You for sharing Your wisdom, words, power and protection with me as I fight these daily battles. Lord, I ask that You will daily empower me with Your wisdom and Your Word. Lord, help me always remain alert to the enemy’s ways and recognize each battle I engage in for what it truly is. I claim my victory in You. I claim all power and authority over evil and the evil one, in the name of Jesus Christ, and by His blood. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Luke 10:18-19, 18He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Romans 7:14-25, 14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Ephesians 1:19-21, 19and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 5:15-20, 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not become drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-18, 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, an after you have done everything to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

1 Peter 5:8-11, 8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10And the God of grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. 11To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved